Oklahoma Man Spreads Joy Nationwide As Black Santa

An Oklahoma man is transforming the way Santa is viewed nationwide and he's coming to Green Country for a special event.

Kenny Blair lives in Oklahoma City and travels the country as Black Santa.

He said many people have never touched, talked to, or sat on the lap of a Black Santa, and he considers it an honor.

Santa Blair will be a part of the holiday lighting ceremony in Tullahassee on Wednesday. It is the oldest historic all-Black town in Oklahoma.

Santa Blair said he’s had a busy holiday season and made stops in several cities including New York City, Baltimore and Birmingham this year.

For him, traveling to communities as Black Santa is an experience he loves.

Santa Blair said it’s important children and people of all ages are able to see someone who reflects them.

"I had a lady that was 96 years old or 97, and a friend of mine wanted me to go see her, an African American lady. I went to see her. When she opened the door, she started to laugh and smile and I was just kind of curious. I said, 'ma'am why are you laughing?' She said, "sweetheart, in all of my years, I’ve never seen a Black Santa.'"

Santa Blair doesn’t wear traditional red and white suits. He works hand-in-hand with a seamstress to design his own themed Santa suits each year.

The lighting ceremony where Santa Blair will be at starts at 6 in the evening.

Residents from the all-Black town of Tatums plan to bring out a bus as well to join in on the fun.